Minister of State with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development, Noel Grealish TD, is leading an agri-food trade mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week, in partnership with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. The mission aims to strengthen government-to-government relationships, support Irish companies on the ground and at Gulfood, and promote Ireland’s high-quality, sustainably produced agri-food products.
The trade mission began with Minister Grealish attending Gulfood, the world’s largest food and beverage trade event, where 14 Irish agri-food companies are exhibiting. Speaking from the UAE, Minister Grealish highlighted the significant impact Irish producers have made in the region and emphasized the opportunity to build on Ireland’s reputation as a trusted supplier of world-class, sustainably produced agri-food products from family farms.
During the mission, Minister Grealish will engage in a series of activities, including a key government-to-government meeting, a visit to Kerry Group Dubai, and meetings with major retailers and potential buyers for Irish agri-food. He will also address a Bord Bia Gulfood Trade Reception, bringing together Irish food and drink suppliers, international buyers, and industry leaders in the region to foster business connections and market growth.
Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole noted that the Gulf region remains a priority growth market for Irish food and drink exports, driven by population growth, a dynamic foodservice sector, and increasing demand for high-quality imported products. The trade mission supports Irish exporters on the ground, strengthens relationships with key customers, and helps companies build a lasting presence in the UAE market, which offers significant long-term opportunities.
Irish agri-food exports to the UAE reached €105 million in 2024, with dairy products, beverages, and animal feed making up the bulk of exports. Preliminary estimates from Bord Bia indicate that exports to the Gulf region increased by 7.5% in 2025, totaling €370 million, led by growth in dairy and prepared consumer foods. The trade mission runs from 26 to 29 January 2026, reinforcing Ireland’s strategic focus on expanding its presence in high-potential international markets.
